At the recent Smart Cities Summit North America 2025, the Smart City Council (SCC) partnered with the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) to promote a shared vision for innovation. This event took place in San Francisco and was attended by over 450 senior leaders from government, business, and academia. IFZA, Dubai’s leading Free Zone community, played a key role in steering discussions toward creating more inclusive, sustainable, and connected cities, beginning with Dubai and extending to international markets.

During the summit, IFZA shared valuable insights on the intersection of smart cities and free zones as catalysts for social transformation through economic innovation. This approach aligns closely with the mission of the Smart Cities Council. Holger Schlechter, CFO of IFZA, emphasized the significance of Dubai, stating, “Dubai represents more than just an economic opportunity; it represents a vision of what future cities can be.”

The collaboration between Smart Cities Council and IFZA also led to the announcement of two new joint venture organizations. These are the Smart Cities Council Middle East, which aims to support the rising demand for smart city solutions in the region, and the Smart Cities Academy™, a platform dedicated to education and training in smart city practices.

Corey Gray, President of Smart Cities Council, remarked on the partnership, saying that it marks “a new chapter in how smart cities are imagined and built across borders.” He highlighted the goal of connecting Silicon Valley’s innovation with Dubai’s vibrant business environment to create a launchpad for entrepreneurs to develop and implement their smart solutions globally. The Middle East is experiencing rapid urban innovation growth, and the collaboration intends to equip governments and organizations with essential knowledge and tools for a more sustainable future.

Dubai has been ranked 4th globally in the 2025 IMD Smart Cities Index, showcasing its status as a benchmark for smart urban development. The city boasts world-class infrastructure, digital public services, and progressive policies, making it an ideal launching pad for transformative projects such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia and New Cairo in Egypt.

In addition, IFZA introduced Scale360, an open innovation platform aimed at connecting global startups with corporate partners, investors, and market access. This initiative, developed in partnership with Plug and Play, underscores IFZA’s commitment to not only facilitating business setup but also transforming businesses.

IFZA was established to create a platform for entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals to collaborate, engage in business, and thrive. The organization aims to eliminate barriers to entry while building connections to global markets for businesses and nations alike. The UAE’s future-oriented government and leadership make it an ideal environment for this vision to flourish.

As a partner of SCC, IFZA seeks to connect Silicon Valley with Dubai, fostering relationships between entrepreneurs and ecosystems. At the summit, IFZA highlighted the strengthening UAE–US relationship, which is based on shared interests across various sectors. There are over 1 500 American companies already operating in the UAE, including major names like Microsoft, Uber, and Cleveland Clinic. Notably, 75% of the UAE’s GDP is now driven by non-oil sectors, establishing Dubai as a prime destination for American businesses looking to expand and innovate.

The summit marked the beginning of IFZA’s strategic engagement roadmap in the US, which includes upcoming events like Deep Tech Week San Francisco in June 2025 and the flagship Deep Tech Week Dubai in November 2025.

About IFZA: IFZA is recognized as the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE. It optimizes the country’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA stands out with its multinational approach, delivering tailored business establishment solutions through collaboration with Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Additionally, business owners and employees benefit from a wide range of value-added services, including property solutions, visa packages, and training and development, all within the IFZA ecosystem. The IFZA Business Park features state-of-the-art office facilities designed to meet the unique needs of each Licensee, providing a professional environment for client interactions and networking opportunities.